FAYETTEVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION : Church application for campus ministry denied

By Robin Mero

Posted: July 28, 2009 at 6:46 a.m.

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FAYETTEVILLE — Neighbors west of the University of Arkansas objected Monday to Pathway Baptist Church's request for a conditional-use permit to open a small-scale church ministry at 1338 W. Cleveland St., north of Razorback Road and across from campus.

The Fayetteville Planning Commission voted 5-3 against the request. Jeremy Kennedy, Audy Lack and Jim Zant were in favor.

The applicant can appeal to the City Council. Several requirements were added to the request to improve pedestrian safety.

There is a single-family home on the two-acre property that would be used for student activities such as Bible studies, fellowships and a studying area. Three people would also live there, according to the request - which planning staff supported.

City planner Andrew Garner told commissioners that residents in RSF-4 zoning can have their own Bible studies and tailgate parties without restriction, but events organized by a nonresidential group require a conditional-use permit.

The neighborhood has a fraternity house - two houses to the east - and a student dormitory to the south, Garner said.

Pastor Jerry Flanagan said the church signed a lease for the house one year ago and didn't expect the degree of objection from neighbors. The ministry's primary meetings are held on campus, he said.

Neighbors said they feel their neighborhood is being chipped away by uses other than family living.

"We are concerned about the impact it will have on our neighborhood. We are convinced this is adverse to our interests, and we're concerned about increased traffic. The Cleveland and Razorback roads intersection is already dangerous," said Archie Schaeffer of 1404 W. Cleveland St., two houses to the west.

David Williams, who lives two blocks away, said he is not against a campus ministry, just not in such a neighborhood.

"I have been a campus minister. I have no problem with what they want to do. But the intent of RSF-4 zoning is to permit and encourage the development of low density dwellings," Williams said.

Commissioner Andy Lack favored the request, which he said was about compatibility.

"To say this neighborhood is fully residential is erroneous. It's a vibrant, very social neighborhood. Unlike going to the outskirts of town to barbecue in your fenced backyard, this has a different character - brought on by there being a university dormitory down the street," Lack said.

News, Pages 1, 3 on 07/28/2009

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